Humility and Learning

I recently read this quote:

"True humility is the ability to learn something from anyone.”I

You might want to read that a few times. (If you struggle with pride, you might want to print it off and tape it to your mirror) In other words, I should not be limited to learning only from those with whom I agree, look up to, have a lot in common with, or like to be around. I don't know about you, but I want to be a life-long learner. I often talk to my kiddos about developing a love for learning. But this quote takes all of that a step further. It is one thing to learn from those we respect or appreciate or to learn about topics we enjoy, but it is an entirely different thing to learn from those with whom we might disagree.

Part of what it means to engage and interact with people, is to be willing to learn whatever I can from whoever I can, whenever I can. And BTW, we can not minister to people with whom we are not willing to engage and/or learn. It is helpful to remember that God is the only One who has the copyright on truth and wisdom. Therefore, I can learn something from about anyone, even if I completely disagree with where they stand on a particular issue or subject.

I can approach my days either with a humble love for learning or I can approach my day with arrogance and resistance to those with whom I might differ. Thankfully, I am learning that life is greatly enriched when I approach all my encounters with the expectation that I can learn something from any and everyone.

The man in the picture is a great teacher and friend. His name is Dr. Earl Wilson and he teaches the Word of God with great passion and conviction. He has taught me on many occasions. One thing I most admire about Dr. Wilson is his humility and willingness to learn, even as he approaches retirement from the ministry.

Thank you, Earle, for teaching and embodying authentic humility and a love for learning!

Very Interesting Artcle About Faith

Here is an interesting survey that was reported this week on the National News and on CNN. You can check it out here.

This survey, released by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, is unique because of the amount of people polled - around 35,000 - which allows for a more complete snapshot of the general population.

Here is a very interesting nugget of truth found in the research:

Although evangelical churches strive to win new Christian believers from the “unchurched,” the survey found most converts to evangelical churches were raised Protestant.

I encourage you to read through the article. I plan to read it with the Pastoral Team tomorrow.

Peace -

Sunday Evening and the Heels

One one of the things I love about living in this area is the sports and all the invitations I get to games! :>) If you haven't figured it out, I love just about all sports, with the exception of Hockey. (I am even starting to like the Canes live at the RBC Center)

At any rate, we have three tix to the UNC Heels Vs. Wake Forrest game tonight! I am taking the twin boys. Going to be a blast and the tix are sweet!

Have a great Sunday evening...

BTW - church was over the top good this morning. I love the passion, worship, growth, and engagement level at out church these days! Marissa Ackerman, Jennifer Rice and Christine Eason slammed this feature song that tied in perfectly with my message. Way to go women of God!

The Touch of Jesus!

Can't wait for tomorrow morning! If you want to read an amazing story, check out Luke 8:40 - 56. There is nothing like the touch and power of Jesus!

I am amped up about tomorrow's worship. I love this biblical story. The Worship is going to be awesome. The feature solo is one of my favorite songs specifically related to this passage of Scripture. And of course, many people are praying.

I love Sundays at newhope. Hope to see you there!

Peace...

Encounter and the Daniel's Fast

If you were at Encounter last night, you know I taught on fasting during the season of Lent. Fasting is one of those subjects that many people differ in their opinion. Some believe it is an out-dated practice. Others think it is one of the most powerful spiritual disciples and that the American Protestant church is guilty of turning a blind eye to the teachings of Scripture when it comes to this ancient spiritual discipline. I happen to fall into the latter camp.

Dr. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, who has now gone to be with the Lord, said this before his departure:

“Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life. The awesome power can be released through you as you fast through the enabling of the Holy Spirit.” (Dr. Bill Bright)

The Lord has led me to press in this Lenten season because I know in my heart of hearts that God wants to do many many "greater things" in my life and the life of this church. For that to happen, I need to regularly re-align my life with teachings of Jesus. Jesus Himself put it like this:

Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." (John 1:50)

Jesus also said in the beginning of His ministry, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16)

Notice Jesus presupposes that we will fast, but then gives stern warning against fasting for the wrong reasons. Please hear me on this, we do NOT fast to Impress, Manipulate, Gain Merit, or Diet. We fast to establish Godly priorities and complete and utter dependence on God!

God might call each of us to fast different things.

 Maybe it’s sweets...
 Maybe it’s coffee...
 Maybe it’s not food but rather a habit that consumes you...
 Maybe it’s your negative mouth that can be loaded with gossip or mean words to people...
 Maybe it’s television or video games...
 Maybe it’s fast food...
 Maybe it's eating out and you take that money and put it toward God’s work in the world...
 Maybe it’s a combination of the above and/or other things...

I invite you join me in fasting something for Lent. For Pastor Jarred and me, our journey is commonly called. "The Daniel's Fast." In Daniel 1, young Daniel and others decide they will not defile themselves with fine food of the king, but rather asked if they might eat vegetables only. They received permission and ate vegetables only for 10 days. When the ten days were up, people were amazed because, "At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead." (Daniel 1:15 - 16) For me, my Lenten Fast involves eating ONLY vegetables and occasional fruit and drinking water and coffe. (I hope God never calls me to fast coffee :>) I plan to hold this fast through Holy Saturday, which is the Saturday prior to Easter, March 22. I sincerely covet your prayers.

If you keep reading Daniel 1, you learn that God gave these four people special power and ability above and beyond others. Fasting brings spiritual insight. Fasting, when done faithfully and according to Scripture, drives us to the heart of God and connects us on a deep heart level with our Father in heaven!

I will be posting regularly on this blog as it relates to this journey. My hope and prayer is that this technology will be a tool for us to grow deeper and more passionately committed to Christ.

Are you feeling led to fast? Have you fasted before and can you share what that experience was like? Feel free to leave your comments?

Grace & Peace -

Top Ten List for Inspiring Leaders...

While traveling last week, I let my mind ponder leadership in the Kingdom, one of my favorite subjects. Next week, I start leading a fresh group of about 25 leaders through a one year journey called SALT (Servants at Leadership Training) I can't wait.

I thought you might enjoy a "Top Ten List" as it relates to being/becoming a leader for God and His purposes in the world. I am sure I learned some of this from other leaders and/or some conference on leadership. I am indebted to so many pastors and friends for investing in me - I pray my leadership and ministry was worth your investment. Thanks - you know who you are!


i. I have to remain crystal clear on my calling from GOD! Everyday, I have to remember that I am on a mission from God!

ii. Make sure I am leveraging my spiritual gifts according to how God has given them!

iii. Make sure the players on my team are inspiring people! Get rid of de-motivating people! If you want to stay motivated, hire people who give you a jolt of inspiration every time they walk in your office. Of course, I need to do the same every time I walk in their office.

iv. Read great books - lots of books!

v. Make it a point to rub shoulders with exceptionally inspired people.

vi. Participate in events that are exceptionally inspiring events.

vii. Pay attention to my physical conditions and health habits. Studies have shown this makes a 20 – 30 % difference in my influence.

viii. Pay attention to my work spaces. (décor and neatness and messiness matters)

ix. Practice hobbies that charge my battery.

x. Practice daily spiritual disciplines. God says, “I will call you sought after.” (Isaiah 62:12) Practice saturation reflection, prayer, Scripture, fasting, and silence!


I am praying for you and other Christian leaders around the world! Eternity really is at stake!

Skiing in the Mountains of West Virginia

I am loving the mountains with the youth group. Pastor Jarred is doing an awesome job and these students are a lot of fun. I sooooo miss skiing. I did black diamonds until 9 pm tonight!! It is very cool skiing at night under the lights. I have not broken any bones yet! In fact, we had no injuries today whatsoever - please pray the same for tomorrow. :>)

I shot a short Legacy of Hope video on the land before I left town on Friday. It will be shown in worship tomorrow morning. You can check it our here.

Peace -

From the Inside Out (Pt. 3)

I have been traveling this week with the Pastoral Team and I am about to leave town with the rowdy youth group crowd later today! I love hanging out with Pastor Jarred and our awesome students. "In passing," I want to post once again about growing from "The Inside Out." This stems from a message I did some time ago and my commitment to talk about this all important subject in the Christian faith. In the midst of my crazy schedule this week, I came across this article from Max Lucado and wanted to share it with you. I hope you enjoy...

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Changed from the Inside Out
by Max Lucado

When you believe in Christ, Christ works a miracle in you. You are permanently purified and empowered by God himself. The message of Jesus to the religious person is simple: It’s not what you do. It’s what I do. I have moved in. And in time you can say with Paul, “I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

If I’m born again, why do I fall so often?

Why did you fall so often after your first birth? Did you exit the womb wearing cross-trainers? Did you do the two-step on the day of your delivery? Of course not. And when you started to walk, you fell more than you stood. Should we expect anything different from our spiritual walk?

But I fall so often, I question my salvation. Again, we return to your first birth. Didn’t you stumble as you were learning to walk? And when you stumbled, did you question the validity of your physical birth? Did you, as a one-year-old fresh flopped on the floor, shake your head and think, I have fallen again. I must not be human?

Of course not. The stumbles of a toddler do not invalidate the act of birth. And the stumbles of a Christian do not annul his spiritual birth.

Do you understand what God has done? He has deposited a Christ seed in you. As it grows, you will change. It’s not that sin has no more presence in your life, but rather that sin has no more power over your life. Temptation will pester you, but temptation will not master you. What hope this brings!

Hear this. It’s not up to you! Within you abides a budding power. Trust him!

Think of it this way. Suppose you, for most of your life, have had a heart condition. Your frail pumper restricts your activities. Each morning at work when the healthy employees take the stairs, you wait for the elevator.

But then comes the transplant. A healthy heart is placed within you. After recovery, you return to work and encounter the flight of stairs—the same flight of stairs you earlier avoided. By habit, you start for the elevator. But then you remember. You aren’t the same person. You have a new heart. Within you dwells a new power.

Do you live like the old person or the new? Do you count yourself as having a new heart or old? You have a choice to make.

You might say, “I can’t climb stairs; I’m too weak.” Does your choice negate the presence of a new heart? Dismiss the work of the surgeon? No. Choosing the elevator would suggest only one fact—you haven’t learned to trust your new power.

It takes time. But at some point you’ve got to try those stairs. You’ve got to test the new ticker. You’ve got to experiment with the new you. For if you don’t, you will run out of steam.

Religious rule keeping can sap your strength. It’s endless. There is always another class to attend, Sabbath to obey, Ramadan to observe. No prison is as endless as the prison of perfection. Her inmates find work but never find peace. How could they? They never know when they are finished.

Christ, however, gifts you with a finished work. He fulfilled the law for you. Bid farewell to the burden of religion. Gone is the fear that having done everything, you might not have done enough. You climb the stairs, not by your strength, but his. God pledges to help those who stop trying to help themselves.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6.) God will change you from the inside out.

Sunday Night Mind Dump...

* We growing like gangbusters in all 3 Worship Celebrations!

* First service felt different to me today. Maybe it was starting a video in Espanol and having your sermon notes blow off the table! :>) All in all - great day with lots of worship and engegement!

* My girl's basketball team lost the championship Saturday. We were undefeated and actually beat the team that beat us 3 times this season. We went into over time and they beat us with a last second shot. Do you know how hard it was to look into the crying eyes of 8 little girls who, like the Patriots, were in pursuit of seasonal perfection? Killer! The other coach and his family and three girls from the team came to newhope today. How cool is that?

* Leaving on a Pastoral/Staff Team retreat tomorrow at 3 pm. I love our team and will go to bat for them any day of the week.

* I can't wait for the new building. I know it is not about the building but I am starting to feel it for the people. It is really becoming a space issue. As I said in church this morning - thanks for your patience. (11 months and counting)

* Have you watched the new movie titled, "Amazing Grace"? Do yourself a favor and check it out.

* The Durham Newspaper ran another article on newhope. You can check it out here.

* Praise God for our new Executive Director of Operations. Her name is Fran Helpingstine and she starts tomorrow with our retreat.

* Pastor Matt and Ashley are having twins! I think it runs in the water around here. :>)

* Speaking of kiddos - Joshua Hunter is now entering my favorite stage. To me, there is nothing like that 2 - 4 year old stage. He is no longer a baby or even a toddler, but becoming a boy (AKA - a little man :>) He is far too cute and therefore gets away with too much.

* There are a lot of people left to reach for Jesus. As I rode to church this morning, I found my heart breaking at the fact that the streets are far too calm on Sunday mornings. Why? BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE LOST WITHOUT JESUS AND NOT ATTENDING CHURCH.

* Nena (Our exchange student) thinks she wants to stay another year and go to school full time in America. She has become such a part of our family and we would love for that to work out.

* Did you watch the Clemson vs. UNC basketball game tonight? WOW! UNC won in double overtime.

* If you missed church this morning, read Matthew 14:13 - 21. Sometimes I really wish I lived during Jesus' day. Can you imagine what it must have been like to see such miracles first hand?!

* On Wednesday, our pastoral/staff team will end up near Charlotte at an incredible Ropes Course. Can't wait!

* I am tired - typical Sunday evening with my body in desperate need of sleep but my mind still cranking!

*Did you know it costs our government two cents to make one penny? Go figure. I think it is time to retire the copper coin.

* The racial diversity in our church keeps growing and growing. Father, I ask you to keep growing our church family so that it fully represents your created order. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

* Good night...

The Large Church and Heaven...

Often, on Saturday nights, after I have reviewed my sermon and prepared for Sunday, I will spend time surfing other pastor's blogs. I came across this post and I think it speaks to growing churches like newhope. I had a person say to me today, at our Starting Point lunch, "I am not sure I like a large church." I think Perry does a great job of talking about a large church in light of the final destiny of all believers. Enjoy!

Perry Noble dot com

This Sunday and the Bread of Life!

I will defend to the death my theory that the most perfect food, the one item that provides nourishment for body, mind, and spirit is a toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich! I have felt that way for as long as I can remember. I still recall as a young boy the joy I would feel when my mom would lay that sandwich in front of me.

I always liked lots of crunchy peanut butter and jelly! Even to this day, when I’m feeling a little down, homesick for heaven, when I just want a snack, or when I’m having lunch by myself, nothing satisfies the hunger of the body or lifts my spirit like a toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich! It’s a complete meal. The peanuts and the whole wheat bread have all that protein and amino acids that the body needs. And the fruit in the jelly provides everything you need from that food group. Add a glass of milk, and you’ve got all the basic food groups covered. :>)

Did you know Jesus loved to eat? He was often breaking bread and hanging out with people. So, if you are like me and love to eat, you are in good company.
Meals fill our stomach and reveal our identity. The food we prepare can also mend or strengthen a relationship. I recently heard of a newhoper in North Raleigh preparing a freshly baked Apple Pie and taking it to a neighbor. The following week, the recipient of the pie showed up at the Small Group she was invited to when given the pie! How cool is that?!

In the Bible, offering food is also a way to heal differences, or to honor someone. Remember when the prodigal son returned home, how his father ordered a big feast to be served to celebrate the return of his son? And after the resurrection, the breakfast of bread and fish that Jesus shared with His disciples by the Sea of Galilee was a meal of reconciliation with Peter and the others who had denied Jesus in other ways.

Bread was the biblical metaphor because that was the staple, basic, bottom-line food source of Jesus’ day. If Jesus had been from Eastern Asia, it would have been rice. Is Jesus had been from Malaysia, it would have been sweet potatoes, and Holy Communion would have been a little messy. :>)

Throughout the gospels, food always has a double meaning. Jesus frequently spoke of eating and drinking in connection with the satisfaction of spiritual needs. When Jesus talked about fish and bread, there was always a spiritual significance to His remarks. This Sunday, we will marvel at an amazing story in Matthew 14 as we continue the series, “Jesus Did What?” With this miracle, Jesus feeds over five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two stinkin fish! Can you say, “Jesus Did What?”

Come join us Sunday at newhope at any of our three services. (8:45, 10:15, and 11:45 am) If you have been in church on Sunday or at Encounter lately, you know God is up to something special these days! Invite your friend(s) and come ready to look beyond the physical hunger that was satisfied that day and examine the spiritual aspects of the story. In doing so, I am hopeful our souls will feast on Jesus, the ultimate “bread of life”.

Have a great weekend - I can't wait to see you Sunday.

And the winner is...

Well, what a game. No one picked it just right. But, we have to tip our hat to Kenny Fent! He picked the exact score, 89 - 78. There was only one problem - he picked UNC to win. :>) Kenny, you must follow my pastoral guidance in the years ahead!

That was a lot of fun, gang. Congrats to all those who picked the Blue Devils to win. It's all good and all fun. UNC is still awesome and you gotta love Roy Williams. Roy and his boys will be there come March Madness. And the Carolina fans out there - you have to acknowledge what Coach K has done and is doing with this Duke team. It might be his best year of coaching ever. Of course, I have said that before - the man is a mastermind on the hardwood!

Rest well - we will do it again for the rematch in Durham at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 8. I gotta go - Roy Williams is speaking at the press conference. I really like that guy - he is such a man of integrity, man of the University, and an all around class act.

Peace to all (UNC fans included :>)

Duke vs. UNC (And Gift Card to Go!)

OK - so i didn't give enough time for the Super Bowl predictions. I am sorry - I had this wild idea "late in the game." :>)

So, let's do this dealio with the "mack-daddy" game in all of sports!! The person who leaves a comment on my blog PRIOR to tip-off Wednesdat night at 9 pm...with the winning team AND the correct score....will receive a $25 gift card to their favorite store or restaurant.

Remember...it must be both the winning team AND the correct score.

PS - Here's my prediction - DUKE 63 UNC 59 (BTW - I can't win the gift card since I created the contest :>)

Super Bowl and a Free Gift Card

Okay sports fans...some people are making their predictions on the outcome of tomorrow's Super Bowl game.

So, let's make this interesting. The person who leaves a comment on my blog PRIOR to kickoff...with the winning team AND the correct score....will receive a $25 gift card to their favorite store or restaurant.

Remember...it must be both the winning team AND the correct score.

PS - Here's my prediction - Patriots 37 Giants 17 (BTW - I can't win the gift card since I created the contest :>)